Whether you own land in the Green Belt or are simply curious about the origins, evolution, and future of this policy, our newly expanded book (2025) will take your understanding of England's Green Belts to an entirely new level.
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In the heart of England lies a paradox that has long puzzled and divided people: the struggle between preserving the Green Belt and addressing an ever-intensifying housing crisis. This book delves into the history of this long-standing policy, dispels the many myths that surround it and explores the policy’s role in solving the housing crisis.
Now fully updated, our second edition reflects the seismic shifts in Green Belt policy - including a new chapter on the introduction of the Grey Belt, emerging plans for London’s Metropolitan Green Belt, and sharp analysis of what these changes mean for the future of the policy.
Although numerous studies on the Green Belt exist, most are academic. By contrast, this book takes a practical approach. Over the past decade, we've worked on a number of challenging sites - including many within the Green Belt - allowing us to refine our methodology for securing planning permission. For the first time ever, we're making our expertise accessible to anyone interested in building on Green Belt land.
Ufuk Bahar and Nicole I. Guler MRTPI are highly sought-after planning and design experts, renowned for securing planning permission in even the most complex circumstances. The pair have built a powerful reputation for helping clients unlock the full potential of their projects, including those on Green Belt land. Their insights have also been featured in articles by The Times, The Guardian, Livingetc and other journals. Ufuk and Nicole are both directors at Urbanist Architecture.
While the path to planning permission in the Green Belt is undoubtedly challenging, it's not impossible. And, now the Grey Belt has been introduced, your chances are even higher.
The key is knowing how to identify and unlock the right opportunities - something most developers overlook.
In this book, we share real examples of successful developments in the Green Belt, as well as the newly defined Grey Belt. By learning from our hands-on experience rather than just theory, you can apply these valuable lessons to confidently navigate the complexities of Green Belt development.
The Labour government is already charging ahead with plans to allow development in the Green Belt - a dramatic policy shift after decades of restriction dating back to the 1950s. Early approvals are already signalling an entirely new era in planning, one that aims to tackle the UK’s growing housing crisis head on.
Led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the new approach targets low-quality Green Belt land - now redefined as Grey Belt - as a key source of land for much-needed housing.
In the second edition of this book, we examine how Labour’s leadership and planning reforms are actively reshaping the future of Green Belt development. With detailed insights into strategic land use, new housing targets, and streamlined approval processes, we show how you can anticipate and respond to this transformative moment in UK housebuilding.
For too long, governments have viewed the Green Belt as sacrosanct. However, with the Labour government’s planning reforms now in effect, things are changing rapidly. This book offers step-by-step guidance to help you:
Understand the urgent need to prevent the Green Belt from being used as an excuse to avoid delivering homes
Learn from the experiences of successful developers and apply these lessons to your own project
Adapt to recent changes in Green Belt policy during this transformative era
“ Land has been my go-to for preserving wealth against other volatile types of real estate investing. It’s unquestionable that green belt will gain traction with the new Labour govt but the top housebuilders will tap into this opportunity more than the SME developers. A real eye-opener for anyone interested in green belt development. I strongly recommend this book. ”
Amazon Verified Purchase (25/07/2024)
“ A highly timely book in light of Labour's recent green belt reforms which have sparked renewed interest in the potential for housing within the green belt. The authors’ perspective resonates with mine and I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to fully understand the complexities and opportunities surrounding green belt. ”
Amazon Verified Purchase (19/08/2024)
“ The book presents a bold stance on the green belt and challenges conventional wisdom. It addresses unexplored angles on how developing green belt land can unlock significant housing potential. The authors did a fantastic job. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in planning, architecture, construction, real estate and property / land development. ”
Amazon Verified Purchase (19/08/2024)
“ I have just finished reading it and find it fascinating. ”
Direct Email Review (19/08/2024)
“ I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book which exposes the lies we've been told about the green belt for years. It reveals the full history of the green belt with all its truths in an illuminating fashion and highlights why housing in these areas is such a crucial necessity. Solid facts, enlightening discussion and clear-cut analysis. I highly recommend it. ”
Amazon Verified Purchase (01/09/2024)
Who want to convert their plots of land into new homes and community spaces to maximise their assets.
Who want to learn how to make the most of Green Belt exceptions and special circumstances to build a new home on the Green Belt.
Who want a realistic understanding of how development can go ahead on the Green Belt, and what recent policy changes mean for larger scale development in these areas.
Who want to broaden their knowledge of this long-standing planning policy, learning more about its history and endurance over the years.
Our team is fast earning a reputation as one of the country’s leading planning and architecture firms - particularly when it comes to Green Belt planning permission. We're a highly accomplished group who consistently produce results that meet the expectations of the council while exceeding those of our clients, and we'd love to work with you.
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